Hi everyone!! The 30 Days 30 Authors event continues with Darliss Batchelor! Let’s get to know her and her books as she talks about how she became an author.

Now, here’s Darliss! 🙂

It was on a white sand beach in Cozumel, Mexico that Darliss received the call to write her first book. Secrets was born ten years later and she hasn’t stopped. Her books Hell is a Skyscraper: A Trio of Novelettes and Something Else to Want followed. Her newest book, The Make-Believe Wives, joined her book family in June 2017. Walking in the footsteps of her Christian playwright grandmother, Darliss was also commissioned to write and witnessed the performance of her short play, One Simple Yes.

A passionate writer, Darliss desires to write stories of fiction that have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of her readers. She continues to work toward the commission to write entertaining inspirational and women’s fiction for years to come.

When she is not writing, she can be found spending time with her husband of over thirty years, Greg, her son, Brandon and grandson, Bentley. She also enjoys reading, cruising, Detroit Pistons basketball and watching court shows on television.

My absolute favorite thing to do is to spend time with my wonderful husband, my amazing son and my awesome grandson. I also enjoy reading, watching court shows and Detroit Pistons basketball.

2. What inspired you to become an author?

I felt a calling to write. Story ideas would come to mind and I felt compelled to give voice to them. I would hear voices speak to me and I knew I had to tell their stories. Now, it has become a way of life for me.

3. What was your first reaction when your debut novel was published?

The moment I laid eyes on the proof for my first book, I cried. I mean, I cried big tears. I never know what the next release will be until one book separates itself from the others. It took me ten years to get to that point and to finally hold it in my hands was surreal. The truth is though I’m now four books in I still get a little misty-eyed when I see my name on the front the first copy of a book.

4. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

There are a few things I hope to accomplish in the next five years in addition to writing. Some of the major things I would love to accomplish include:

Holding a specialized writing conference.

Operating a nonprofit to minister to women in crisis.

Operating a program to promote literacy among school-aged children.

5. Do you have any new projects you are currently working on?

I do have a few projects I’m itching to get to work on. There is a three-book series called “The Marriage Bed” and stand-alone projects titled “What is God’s Name?” and “Worship Widows” I’m diving into.

6. What advice can you give to anyone who wants to become an author?

I think the best advice I can give an aspiring author is to read as much and as often as possible. Each book is like a college course in writing. I believe if one pays close attention during the reading of a book, you can learn a lot about what to do and what not do.

I also think it’s important to exercise that writing muscle. Whether it’s journaling or utilizing writing prompts, I think writing regularly is imperative.

Chapter 1

Janay slammed the glass into the bottom of the sink and watched it break into a million pieces. She chased it with two plates and a bowl that were within reach. No need to worry about washing those. Frightened by the noise, her baby girl screamed and she joined her. Unlike Naomi, Janay’s scream was from sheer frustration. She pulled herself together and went to gather her daughter from the adjoining family room. Naomi raised her arms as her mother approached and Janay picked her up. Once comforted, the toddler wiggled to get back to her playtime. Janay returned her to the center of the toys she had spread out over the family room floor and exhaled.

Her husband, Evan, had taken Nahla and Nia out for a daddy-daughter day. Naomi was too young for today’s activity. Janay returned to the kitchen and stared at the glass and ceramic gumbo in the sink. She picked up a few of the larger pieces of glass and sat them on the granite countertop, mentally adding resealing it to her already overloaded to-do list. She remembered literally vibrating with excitement when they bought this stone. Now, it brought tears.

Janay went to the bathroom to wash her face, hoping it would make her feel better. She pulled the plush fire engine red face towel from the bar and ran cold water over it. Looking in the mirror, she noticed the frustration etched in her face and the tent city that had formed below her eyes. These had become her constant companions. She patted the area with the cold towel and went back to the family room to check on Naomi. Her routine had gotten old.

***

Janay watched as Evan moved bowls and plates around in the cabinet, undoubtedly looking for something in particular. Next, he searched the dishwasher. “Hmph,” Evan said as he closed the door, looking at her with both hands on his waist, which usually meant he was stumped about something.

“Babe, do you know what happened to that blue bowl? I can’t find it.”

“Which one?” Janay asked trying to figure out the best way to tell him about his favorite cereal bowl’s fate.

“We only had one. It was deep blue.”

“It got broken. Accidentally. The other day,” she replied.

Evan stepped down into the room and sat next to his wife on the beige leather sofa. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes. Why?”

“A lot of dishes are getting broken lately. I wonder why.” He looked at her so intently it was clear he already knew the answer.